BEREA -- Berea will likely support legislation agreeing not to rob businesses from other Cuyahoga County communities.

Earlier this year, Mayor Cyril M. Kleem signed a draft of the anti-poaching measure that Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald developed.

"I anticipate we will sign it (the final document)," said Kleem, who has a background in economic development. "I am committed that communities should be more cooperative with economic development, and less competitive."

Ed Jerse, director of regional collaboration for the county, said many communities supported but had concerns about confidentiality and marketing with the draft version, which are addressed in the revised legislation.

Jerse said some were concerned about the provision that communities tell one another that a business contacted them about moving into their city.

"Some said businesses told them they did not want anyone to know they were moving, so we put in a confidentiality clause," he said. "We also explained that general marketing is not considered poaching."

One of the principles of the agreement states the county’s economy will be stronger if its communities work together, rather than against each other.

Those supporting the measure will agree not to actively pursue a business to relocate if that business has not indicated it is considering a move from its current location in a participating community. "Actively pursuing" is defined as initiating contact with the business directly, with the intent of luring it through cold calls, visits, mail solicitations or marketing directed specifically at that business.

Parma and Pepper Pike have already signed the agreement.

"We have talked with a few others, and many want to run it by their economic development or law director and city council," Jerse said. "We are pleased with the responses we are getting."

Kleem said he asked Rebecca Corrigan, the Berea Community Development Corporation’s executive director, to review the measure.

Jerse said there is no timeline to sign, but he encourages communities to do so as soon as possible.

Follow Us

cleveland.com is powered by Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and Northeast Ohio Media Group. All rights reserved (About Us).The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Northeast Ohio Media Group LLC.